Ministering to Clients

Agency Name and Location: Tom Golden Travel, an independent agency in the Avoya Travel network. I’m based in Livingston, Texas, but since we live full time in a Fifth Wheel [RV], we are based all over the U.S.

My Former Career: After 25 years, I retired from the pastorate because I needed to care for my wife’s and my elderly parents. My education and postgraduate work were in preparation to be a pastor, and I spent my career ministering to congregations throughout Texas. When I retired I needed a job that was more flexible and would allow me to work from home.

Why I Chose a Career in Travel: My wife and I love to travel, and we had led several groups to the Holy Land, Turkey and Greece and on a variety of cruises. A travel career seemed to be a natural choice.

Why I Chose my Host Agency: Since I was new to the travel business, I didn’t have any of my own clients. Avoya Travel’s Live Leads program allowed me to focus on gaining travel knowledge and selling experience by sending new client business to me in my specialties. I didn’t have to spend my time and money trying to find business, which was a huge benefit.

How I Solved It: I talked with other independent [Avoya] agency owners, took the training offered by vendors, experienced tours and cruise lines I had not previously traveled with and participated in Avoya educational programs.

My Greatest Challenge Right Now: Growing my business by specializing in the vendors I believe in.

What I Like Best About the Travel Business: I really like helping guide people to the right travel option, making their next vacation their best vacation. I treat my clients as friends, and many of them have really become my friends. I’m looking forward to building a strong repeat and referral business through these connections.

What I Hate About It: When new customers come to me after shopping around, sometimes I have to correct other agents’ misquotes or promises that are unrealistic. I am honest and transparent with my clients, and this earns their trust.

How My Former Career Has Helped Me Run My Travel Business: My former career taught me how to listen to my clients with a genuine concern for them and their families. I’ve learned to treat people as individuals and value the relationships I have with them.

Why I Love What I Do: I love bringing people’s dreams to life. That now includes personally leading trips to interesting destinations that they might not have wanted to travel to by themselves.

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